State’s oldest and smallest elementary school may soon close

STOCKTON  — New Jersey's oldest and smallest elementary school may soon close if a regional school district decides to consolidate its facilities.

The Stockton Borough Elementary School opened in 1832 and the current school building dates to 1872. Officials in the small Hunterdon County town say that in most years it houses fewer than 50 students.

Stockton is part of the South Hunterdon Regional School District, which also serves Lambertville and West Amwell. It has three elementary schools, one in each community, and a combined middle and high school.

A community meeting will be held Tuesday night to discuss the district's plans.

Officials have cited declining enrollment as one reason the Stockton school may be shuttered. But they also could make it a magnet facility to draw more students.

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